PORT NEWS

The Suez Canal Authority has issued revised draught restrictions for vessels transiting the waterway with effect from 05 June 2001.

In line with the SCA (Suez Canal Authority) policy to upgrade the Canal in the service of world navigation, and on the occasion of the near completion of the present stage of development, the following has been decided:

First:

As of 05 June 2001, vessels with a beam of 169 feet and 6 inches can transit the Canal with a draught of 60 feet as experimental trips.

Vessels with a beam exceeding 169 feet and 6 inches can transit the Canal with the draughts provided by the SCA or local agent.

Second:

As of 26 July 2001, vessels with a beam of 164 feet can transit the Canal with a draught of 62 feet.

Vessels with a beam exceeding 164 feet can transit with draughts provided by the SCA or local agent..

Third:

Item (c) of Article 52 and item (1) of Article 53 of the SC Rules of Navigation (Feb 1995) shall be waived.

Ballast vessels with a beam up to 245 feet can transit with a draught of not more than 32 feet forward and 36 feet aft in a favourable weather conditions and wind speed of not more than 10 knots.

Ballast vessels with a beam exceeding 245 feet need prior approval by the SCA to transit the Canal.

Source: Gulf Agency Company Ltd.

India/Haldia – insurance company details requested

Kolkata Port Trust (previously named Calcutta Port Trust) is requesting vessels calling at Haldia to provide the e-mail address and/or website of their insurance company together with the vessel’s booking request. Failure to do so may result in a vessel not being accepted.

Source: Gulf Agency Company Ltd.

Italy/Genoa – notification of discontinued operation

The Genoa Multedo Oil Harbour will discontinue all commercial operations from 20 July 2001 0800 hours for about 48 hours due to electrical plant maintenance.

Source: Hugo Trumpy Group, Genoa

Syria/Banias – reply received concerning treatment of ships’ crews

Further to the article in Weekly NEWS No. 21/2001, INTERTANKO is pleased to advise that a reply has been received from the General Directorate of Ports of the Syrian Ministry of Transport.

We have been informed that strong measures have been implemented to prohibit pilots from demanding unwarranted gifts. Some masters are said to have reported instances directly to the port which has led to pilots being investigated and taken to court. The port authorities are encouraging masters to issue direct reports of unlawful practices. INTERTANKO will, however, continue to offer its services to any member who might feel that an indirect approach via our Association is preferable, with reduced exposure to vessel and operator.

According to the information received, Port officials are not able to present false accusations of marine pollution against any vessel. Such matters are not subject to individual decisions as several legal and official steps have to be followed. An initial investigation of the incident - its causes, damages and responsibilities - is carried out by a Primary Committee of six officials. This Committee interviews the master concerned. and issues a report which includes the master’s viewpoints. The matter then goes to a High Committee, which is a Magistracy headed by a judge with a membership of five officials, viz. the General Director of Ports plus representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Treasure. The tanker or its agent has the right to object to the infraction and fine and to assign a solicitor chosen by the vessel or her agent. The High Committee gives the final ruling in the matter.

Regarding unwarranted threats of an Arab boycott for alleged calls in Israel, the Banias port authorities have assured us that they always seek proof from the vessel’s “related documents” to substantiate the rumour. The port authorities maintain that no vessel has been placed on an Arab black list purely as a result of accusations “because we base ourselves on corroborative documents proving such visit or entry. Enrolling of a vessel’s name in the Black List does not happen randomly but by legal and official procedures and documents of such visit in the Israeli port”.

We are pleased to have received the above assurances that proper procedures are in place and that strong measures have been implemented to improve the treatment of ships’ crews.

To ensure that the above promises are kept we would like to encourage our members to help monitor developments at the Banias Terminal and report any irregularities to the P&T Section, attention: mailto:gunnar.knudsen@intertanko.com for possible further action.